Taste: Green beans

Aug. 20, 2013

Benjamin Roberts / Iowa City Press-Citizen

Written by

Alesha L. Crews

Iowa City Press-Citizen

Green beans tend to get a bad rap in our deep-fried, sugar-coated world; but if they are prepared well, these nutrient-dense veggies can pack a lot of flavor. Check out what these Iowa City restaurants are doing with green beans to increase their appeal.

Graze

115 E. College St., Iowa City.

Information: 887-5477.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes the Dim Sum Green Beans ($6) at Graze so fantastic; It could be the satisfying crunch, the sweet sesame ginger dressing or the tender beans, but we think it’s all of the above. Order a plate — or two, or three — on your next visit.

Szechuan House

320 E. Burlington St., Iowa City.

Information: 338-6788.

With a full menu of traditional Chinese offerings at Szechuan House, it can be hard to know exactly what to order. Want a safe bet? Order the Spicy String Beans ($9.95), a fiery mix of green beans sauteed with garlic, ginger and red chilies. This flavor-packed dish is the perfect addition to a full meal, but can just as easily stand on its own.

BlackStone

503 Westbury Drive No. 1, Iowa City.

Infomation: 338-1770.

Despite the stiff competition — Not Your Ordinary Mac and Cheese, smashed sweet potatoes, fried potato and crab salad — the Miaggi Beans ($4) remain a popular side at Iowa City’s BlackStone. The green beans are flash fried and tossed in a savory, soy-sesame dressing. “They have a crunch and flavorful seasoning, but it still gives people the vegetable option they want,” Shift Manager Wade Williams said.